Switch and signal interlocking mechanism.



Patented July l7, I900.

11. .mnnsou. SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLOCKING MECHANISM.

(Application. filed Apr. 15, 1898.) (No Modal.) 6 Sheets-Sheet I.

M88 es:-

No. 653,959. Patented luly l7, I900; H. JOHNSON.

SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLOCKING MECHANISM.

. (Lpplicition filed Apr. 16 1898.) (N0 mm.) s Shaets-Sheet 2.

1-: uonms PETERS w. PMOTGUYHQ. vusuws'rcu. n. c.

No. 653,959. Patented July 17, I900.

H. JOHNSON. SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLUCKING MECHANISM.

(Appfication filed Apr. 15, 1898.) (N0 Mo el-J 6 sheats-sheet 3 lll lllll No. 653,959. v Patented luly I7, I900.

H. JOHNSON.

SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLOCKINB MECHANISM.

(Application filed A r. 15, 1898.) I 4 (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I Im-mm-iuml g;

Riga/at No. 653,959 Pa'tn'tefl m I7, 1900. H.'JUHNSON. SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLOOKING MECHANISM.

(Applicaticn filed. Apx. 15, 1898.)

6 Sheets8heet 5 (No Model.)

No. 653,959. Patented July |7 ,'l900.

H. JOHNSON.

SWITCH AND SIGNAL lNTERLDCKlNG MECHANISM.

(Application filed Apr. 15, 1898.)

6 Sheets-Shaet 5 (No Model.)

h m m @g x v @MM k W HENRY JOHNSON, OF ARLINGTON, NEW? JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO THE STANDARD RAILROAD SIGNAL COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

SWITCH AND SIGNAL INTERLOCKING MECHANISM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 653,959, dated July 17, 1900.

Application filed April 15, 1 89 8.

To (all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HENRY JOHNSON, a citi zen of the United States, and a resident of Arlington, in the county of Hudson and State of New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Switch and Signal Interlocking Mechanism, of which the following is a specification. 4

My invention relates to an improvement in switch and signal interlocking mechanism, and is directed more particularly to a structure which will admit of a more compact and simplified arrangement of the operating-levers connecting lock-bars and tappets, to means for conveniently unlocking the operating-levers when thrown forward, to means for accurately adjusting the throw of the tappets, to means for limiting the throw of the tappets, and to means for accurately setting up the supporting-frame on surfaces which are not true horizontal planes and for ad justing the supporting-frame from time to time to a true vertical position when for any cause the foundation may have settled or become distorted from its original position.

In the accompanying drawings 1 have shown such a part of a complete system as will be sufficient to clearly illustrate the features to which my present invention is directed, it being understood that the system may be carried out to include any number of operating-levers and tappets that may be required at any given terminal or intersecting or branching of railway-tracks.

Figure 1 represents avertical section from front to rear through a stand ofthe interlocking mechanism, showing the lower portion of one of the operating-levers and the parts connected therewith in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a portion of the stand of interlocking mechanism in front elevation. Fig. 3 is a front view of the plate in which tappets and connecting lock-bars operate, showing the tappets, locking-dogs, and connecting lock-bars in position therein. Fig. 4E is a diagram in plan showing intersecting tracks, switches, and signals, which for purposes of explanation may be assumed to be controlled by the tappets and connecting-bars represented in Fig. 3. Figs. 5, 6, and '7 represent sections Serial No. 677,704- (No model.)

from front to rear through the mechanism shown in Fig. 3, the said sections being taken, respectively, upon the planes of the lines 5 5, 6 6, and '7 7 of Fig. 3. Fig. Sis a view in detail in elevation of a portion of the plate in which the tappets, locking-dogs, and connecting lock-bars are mounted to slide. Fig. 9 is an end view of the same. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 11 is a view in detail, showing in front elevation the connecting-pieceor tappet-jaw and eccentric-adjustment pin at the top of one of the tappets connected with the tappet. Fig. 12 is a view of the same in side elevation detached from the tappet. Fig. 13 is a view in detail of the eccentric-belt for connecting the tappet-operating link with the tappet. Fig. 14 is a view of the same in end elevation. Fig. 15 represents a set of numbers, commonly known as the locking-chart, indicating the locking and releasing functions of any given lever when moved from its normal position in relation to other levers, the numbers in the aforesaid set referring particularly to the levers for operating the similarly-numbered tappets shown in Fig. 3 and relating to the system of switches and-signals shown diagrammatically in Fig. 4:. Fig. 16 represents the base of one of the supporting legs or standards in top plan. Fig. 17 represents the same in elevation, showing its adjustable connection with the pedestal. sents a vertical section from front to rear through the pedestal, showing the base of the supporting leg or standard in side elevation; and Figs. 19 and 20 are diagrammatical views, the former representing a track intersecting a set of eight tracks and the latter representing a group of tappets, locking-dogs, and connectinglock-bars, together with locking-chart required for the safe manipulation of traffic from one of the said group of eight tracks to any other one of the group.

The legs or uprights for supporting the locking-plates, the operating-levers, and their tappets are denoted by A and are located at such intervals along a set .or group of operating-levers as may be required to give the structure the required stiffness. They are connected at the top by front and rear girders,

Fig. 18 repre-- extending longitudinally of the group, the up-' per arms of the levers being adapted to swing forwardly and backwardly between the girders A A and their lower arms having connected therewith switch and signal operating rods 1), as usual.

The lower arm 0 of the lever B is made removable from the lever without disturbing the lever from its mounted position whenever a change in the stroke of the operating rods or wires is desired or when for any other reason the arm requires further fitting or renewal. For this purpose I find it convenient to recess the lower end of the lever B at b and secure the arm Z1 removably in position in the recess by bolts b The upper or operating arm of the lever B is provided, as usual, with the locking and releasing catch b under the control of the hand of the operator in grasping the handle of the operating-lever B to permit the lever to be rocked, the said catch 11 being connected by an extension 12 with the slotted sector-bar or rocker C, pivoted to the segment A The sector-bar or rocker C is connected by means of a connecting-link c with the headpiece or tappet-jaw c, to which the tappet D is se- 'cured.

The structure of the operating-lever and the connection of its locking and releasing catch b with the sector or rocker bar 0 for operating the tappet is a well-known arrange ment and is shown and referred to in the present instance for the purpose of disclosing the practical operation of my present im provement directed to this part of the interlocking mechanism, which improvement consists in providing the slotted sector-bar or rocker O with an extension 0, which may be a part of the sector-bar or rocker C itself or may be fixed to rock with the sector-bar or rocker and which projects above theplans of the arch-piece or segment A into position to permit the foot of the operator to be placed upon it and to depress it, and hence to lift the opposite end of the sector or rocker O, and the connecting extension b to release the catch 1) to permit the operating-lever to be drawn toward the operator. This arrangement does away with the necessity of reaching the lever for operating the catch and the operator simply grasps the handle of the lever B and draws it forward,while his weight depresses the foot extension 0, thereby securing the greatest practicable top stroke of the levers and relieving the operator from the necessity of throwing his body between two adjacent levers to operate the catch 12*.

To facilitate the removal of any rocker 0 without disturbing the assembled parts of the structure to any great extent, I make the se ments A in pairs, one pair for each lever, and pivot the rocker O to one member only of a pair, as at C By removing the nonrocker-carryingmemberof apair of segments a space is left for sliding the rocker-carrying member of an adjacent pair of segments laterally to free the rocker from its connection with the extension 11 and links 0, when the said rocker-carrying segment, together with the rocker, may be lifted out of place and handled at pleasure.

The legs or standards A are fitted to receive and support at their opposite edges locking-plates E, a portion of one of these plates being shown in detail in Fig. 8. In the present instance I have shown the lockingplate attached to one edge only of the standard A; but it is to be understood that a similar plate or series of plates might be secured to the opposite edge in the same manner. This locking-plate E is provided at suitable intervals with vertical recesses or channels, (de' noted by e and adapted to receive the tappets D.)

The tappets D are held in position to reciprocate vertically in the recesses e by means of keepers e, the ends of which overlap the edges of the tappets and the sides of which afford extended bearings for the wider dogs 0 (see Figs. 3 and 5,) the said keepers being secured to the plate E by screws 2 which at the same time secure in position vertical retaining-strips a between which and the tappets one vertical series of connecting lockbars and their operating-dogs are arranged to slide horizontally. Two of these vertical series of connecting-bars are shown in end elevation in Fig. 6 and denoted by e e the same two bars being shown in transverse section in Fig. 7, together with one of the operating-dogs 6 to which the connecting-bar e is fixed. This bar 6 is lettered in Fig. 3, the operating dogs to which it is fastened being denoted in the same figure by e and 9 The auxiliarytappets which operate the dogs connected by the series of bars 6 e &c., are fixed to the outer face of the tappets D, two of these auxiliary tappets, one a fixed tappet (denoted by (Z) and the other a special or rocking tappet, (denoted by d',) being represented in section in Fig. 6 and in front elevation in Fig. 3. By comparing Figs. 6 and 7 and noting the planes in which the sections are taken, by reference to Fig. 3 it will be observed that these auxiliary tappets d cl are in a vertical plane corresponding to the dogs to which the connecting-bars e e are connected. (See, for example, the operating dogs e Fig. 7.)

There is a second vertical series of connecting-bars upon the opposite side of the tappets .D from that on which the vertical series e e are located, the individual bars of this second series being denoted by ff, Figs. 5, 6,

IIO

and 7, two of the operating-dogs to which these bars ff are connected being shown in Fig. 5 and denoted, respectively, by F F. It is also to be noted that the dogs F F for operating the series of bars f f on the inner side of the tappets are located in a vertical plane corresponding to the plane in which the tappets D reciprocate, and the cams or notches for operating them are formed on the edges of the tappets D, as clearly indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, this feature being in itself old in the art. It will further be observed that the operating-dog F, to which the bar f is connected, (see Fig. 5,) is in turn connected through to an operating-dog e in a plane at the front of the tappets, so that the same movement of the tappet D which operates the dog F and connecting-bar f, attached thereto, will operate the dog 6 in connection with the series of bars atthe front of the tappet.

The special rock-tappetsuch, for example, as the tappet cZ-maywhen inserted between the ends of two consecutive bars cause the bars to operate in either direction as one as they are forced longitudinally in the one direction or the other, or when the tappet D to which the rocking tappet d is attached is moved vertically into a position to withdraw the said locking-tappet from between the projecting edges of the wide dogs connected to the ends of two consecutive bars either one of the said bars may be permitted to move longitudinally without alfecting the bar in alinement therewith. The spaces are such in the present instance as to permit a group of three barslike f, for exampleupon one side of the tappet anda corresponding group of five bars e for example-upon the opposite side of the tappet, under the control of some one or more tappets arranged along the horizontal line indicated by the position of the tappet d, thus bringing in practice a group of eight of these locking-bars and their operating-cams within a space of about two by two inches in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of the locking-bars.

In the diagram shown in Fig. 4 there is illustrated a simple group of signals and switches bearing numbers corresponding to the tappets and locking and releasing devices shown in Fig. 3, and the locking-chart corresponding to this simple system is illustrated in Fig. 15.

Assuming a train to be approaching the distant signal 1 from the left along the track containing the double arrow, if the train is to be allowed to pass the signals and switches represented in Fig. 4 at speed the distant signal 1 must be released. In order to do this, it is necessary that the switch 4 be first reversed and then signal 2 be set to clear.

Referring to the tappets in Fig. 3, numbered,respectively,l, 2, and 4and corresponding to the levers for operating the signals 1 2 and switch 4, the operator first slides the tappet 4 down to bring the notch 0 in tappet 4 opposite the dog 19, which is connected by a locking-bar with the dog 19 at tappet 1. The tappet 2 is then slid downwardly to bring the notch 0 to register with the opposite end 19 of the dog 10. These operations having taken place, the tappet 1 may be slid downwardly, forcing the dogs p 19', connected to move together, to the right into the notches 0 0' of tappets 4 and 2. The same movement of tappet 1 which sets the distant signallto clear will at the same time lock the tappets 2 and 4 against movement by the engagement therewith of the dogsp p in the notches 0 0, and hence the switch 4 cannot be set to normal until the distant signal 1 and home signal 2 have again been set to danger.

The information which the operator would obtain from the chart to perform the above simple operation would be from the first horizontal line of the chart, which he would read as follows: 1 looks 2 reversed and 4 reversed.

With the above simple illustration in reference to Figs. 3, 4, and 15, I will now proceed to describe somewhat more in detail the operation of the locking and releasing devices in connection with the diagram shownin Figs. 19 and 20. In this explanation it is to be remembered that the line of connections or locking-bars in Fig. 20 denoted by R are assumed to be directly in the rear of and on the opposite sides of the tappets from the line of connections or'locking-bars R. It is further to be noticed that the dogs between which the arrows are placed are connected from front to rear to move together. With this understanding the following movement of levers and consequent movement of tappets will take place. In order to get signal 1 to permit the train to pass from Q to Q, it is necessary to reverse the switch-levers 3, 5, 7, and 9. The arrangement of locking-bars is such, as seen from the locking-chart, Fig. 20, that l'will lock 10 reversed and 21 normal when 3, 5, 7, and 9 are reversed. When lever for reversing switch 3 is operated, it will move the tappet 3, Fig. 20, downwardly in a direction to bring the special tappets 3 into position to connect the adjacent dogs t t". The facing-point lock-lever 2 is then reversed, dropping the tappet 2 to'release the dog 6 The lever for reversing the switch 5 is then reversed, dropping the tappet 5 into position to bring its special tappet s to connect the adjacent dogs 25 15 The facing-point locklever 4 is then reversed, dropping the tappet 4 into position to release the dog i which is connected through to move simultaneously with the dog The lever for operating switch 7 is then reversed, dropping the tappet 7 into position to cause its special tappet s to connect the adjacent dogs 25 t. The facing-point lever 6 is then reversed, dropping the tappet 6 to release the dog 25 which is connected through to move simultaneously with the dog 25*. The lever for operating the switch 9 is then reversed, dropping the tap- IIO pet 9 in position to cause its special tappet to connect the adjacent dogs t 29. The facing-point lever 8 is then reversed, causing the tappet 8 to drop into position to release the dog 25 which is connected through to move simultaneously with the dog. 25 The facing-point locking-lever is then reversed to release the dog 79. The positions of the several tappets are now such that there will be a continuous connection from tappet 1 through to tappet 21, and when the signallever 1 is reversed it will slide the connected bars between 1 and 21 to the right, throwing the dog Z into the notch in tappet 21, locking the signal 21 against reversing. Because of the connection of the dog 75 with the dog 29 at the back and its connection with the dog through to the front, when tappet 1 is moved it will at the same time that it looks 2 reversed also lock 18 in its normal position and 1 in its reversed position. In like manner the dogs i and i by their connections through to the front will at the same time lock 19 and 20 in their normal positions.

By the above-described construction and arrangement of the connecting locking-bars in difierent series and their connections with the tappets I am enabled to materially multiply the working effect of a tappet without materially increasing the bulk of the operating mechanism.

In order that the tappets D may be thrown a distance to bring the notches or projections thereon accurately into position to permit or prevent the sliding of the connecting-bars, I provide their heads D with abutments 61 d adapted to engage the opposite faces of the projecting edge g of a plate G, interposed horizontally between the standards A. The heads D of the tappets are preferably made removable from the tappet-bars by means of screws d In order to make the movement of the tappet D to respond with the movement of the sector-bar and connecting-link c, I provide the eccentric pivotal pin H (see Fig. 13) for pivoting the lower end of the link 0 between the branches of the bifurcated upper end of the tappet-head D. The eccentric portion h of this pin is adapted to register with the opening in the lower end of the link c,'and the head of the pin II is provided with a series of teeth h, by means of which the pin 1 1 may be held in the desired rocked adjustment to cause the link 0 under the move ment of the sector-bar to throw the tappet D the distance permitted by the abutments (1 d A locking-pin 72, is arranged to enter the side of the head D between two of the teeth It to hold the pin H in the desired rocked adj ustment. This arrangement provides for taking up any wear that may occur and for adjusting the links 0 to correspond with the desired movement of the tappet D with great accuracy and in a short space of time.

For the purpose of adjusting the stand, set, or group of operating-levers in a true horizo'ntal position and to maintain them in such a position in case of slight variations which might take place in the foundations I provide pedestals for the reception of the standards or uprights A as follows: 'A bed-plate I, of suitable size to receive the base of the pedestal A thereon, is placed in position on the foundation K and made as nearly level as can be under the circumstances Without the expenditure of too much time and labor. This bed-plate or block I is provided with openings at or near its corners for the reception of four binding-bolts,which extend through the foundation K and through the bed-plate I and base of the pedestal A and are provided at their upper screw-threaded ends with nuts 6. The base of the pedestal A has seated therein four adj usting-screws M,located in pairs upon opposite sides of the web of the pedestal and at or near the opposite ends of the case, the lower ends of said screws beingadapted to bear in shallow sockets t' in the top of the bedplate I. Two dowel-pins N N, located diag onally opposite each other in the block I and arranged to enter sockets in the case of the standard -A, serve to keep the base of the standard in the proper position on the pedestal to hold the bolt-holes and screw-bearings in register.

By the above structure the standard A may be tilted either laterally or longitudinally of the stand of levers or elevated or depressed bodily by loosening or screwing any one or more of the screws M, and after the correct adjustment is obtained the standard may be held positively in position by screwing home nuts t on the bolts L.

What I claim is- 1. The combination with the tappet and means for operating it, of a stop independent of the tappet-operating mechanism for determining the movement of the tappet in either of two opposite directions, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination with the tappet, the sector-bar and the link connecting the bar with the tappet, of an eccentric-pin forming a connection between the link and tappet and means for holding the eccentric-pin in various rotary adjustments, substantially as set forth.

3. The combination with the segments arranged in pairs and means for removably connecting the segments to their supports, of the sector-bars or rockers each carried by one member of a pair of segments for the removal of the segment and the rocker carried thereby, substantially as set forth.

et. In combination, a tappet, means for operatin g it, connecting-bars arranged in diiferent vertical planes and means for connecting one or more of the bars in one plane with one or more of the bars in another plane, substantially as set forth.

5. The combination with a group of tappets, of a plurality of series of connecting-bars in difierent vertical planes and under the control of the individual tappets to lock and release other tappets of the group, substantially as set forth.

6. The combination with a group of tappets and connecting-bars the latter arranged in different vertical series, of auxiliary operating tappets and dogs arranged in different vertical series and under the control of the first-mentioned tappet to connect and operate different bars of the saidseries, substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with the reciprocating tappets and the sliding connecting-bars the latter arranged in different vertical series, of a plate provided with vertical guideways for the tappets and with horizontal guideways for the locking dogs and bars,the horizontal guide ways for the locking dogs and bars being located upon opposite sides of the guideways for the tappets, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with the standard or upright for supporting a group of levers, of a pedestal for receiving the foot of the standard or upright, adj usting-screws for varying the plane of the upright with respect to the plane of the pedestal and means for binding the upright to the pedestalin its various adj ustments, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of two Witnesses, this 28th day of March, 1898.

HENRY JOHNSON.

WVit-nesses:

FREDK. HAYNES, O. S. SUNDGREN. 

